Sandro tips Paulinho to take Tottenham forward

ESPN staff

July 3, 2013

Tottenham midfielder Sandro has backed Brazil team-mate Paulinho to make a seamless transition into the Premier League, insisting the 24-year-old will be critical to Spurs' push for a top four finish next season.

Paulinho confirmed on Monday that he will join Tottenham from Corinthians following a successful Confederations Cup campaign with Brazil.

His international team-mate Sandro is confident Paulinho will make a difference under Andre Villas-Boas as Spurs look to return to the Champions League.

While the two will be fighting for a place in Tottenham's midfield, alongside the likes of Mousa Dembele, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Lewis Holtby, Sandro is hopeful Paulinho can become a mainstay at White Hart Lane.

"I think he has what it takes to do well here," Sandro told Globo Esporte. "This is a club with a great structure. We have been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions. Paulinho will certainly help us become stronger.

"I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'. I will try to do the same thing [Heurelho] Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."